Residents are furious after claiming major roadworks have turned their access-only street into a 'main road'.

The gasworks - which started on Monday - have actually blocked off a section of Liverpool Road, in Newcastle.

But affected traffic is being diverted along the access-only Shaw Street - and homeowners say they weren't consulted about the move.

Now utility giant Cadent - which is carrying out the work - has promised to investigate the complaint.

Gail Clarkson, aged 54, who lives on Shaw Street, said: "The first thing we knew about this was when the diversion sign went up and we opened the curtains. I'm so angry.

Access only sign for Shaw Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"The road is not wide enough and drivers are not taking the time to stop and look around the corner. It's just ridiculous. If you're not accessing the houses there is no need to come down here.

"Someone is going to get hit. It was very quiet before - and now it's like a main road."

Residents have previously complained about motorists flouting the access-only rule and swallowing up their parking spaces.

Gail added: "Our PCSO has been down a couple of times and stood at the top telling people it is access-only to the houses but that hasn't happened for ages."

The road works sign for the Cadent Gas Ltd works on Liverpool Road Newcastle-under-Lyme outside of the Freebird pub.

Neighbour Les Hough added: "If people don't live in Shaw Street then they shouldn't be coming down here. Brindley Street, Shaw Street and Wilson Street are all access-only and drivers don't seem to know the Highway Code.

"Liverpool Road was supposed to be closed for two weeks from January 8. But the sign now says February 11 and the road has been closed since February 4 so someone has got their dates wrong somewhere.

"They've been digging the road up for a fortnight already and only decided to close the road this week."

Liverpool Road is currently shut between Enderley Street and Shaw Street.

A Cadent spokesman said: "We have had to close Liverpool Road while we carry out essential work to renew ageing gas mains so residents continue to have safe and reliable gas supplies.

"We agreed with Staffordshire County Council that traffic would be diverted via Enderley Street and Shaw Street.

"However, we are looking to see if we can adjust the traffic management so we can address the concerns and ensure traffic flows smoothly."